Dates on Will and Probate Books

When you go to the courthouse to look for a will or probate record, do you just look in the books that cover the time period of your ancestor?

Be careful! Sometimes the dates on the outside of the book may not quite be right! If the date says that the first record began in 1869 and your ancestor died in 1868, make sure you look in the book at the “real” beginning date.